Library Corner

The following is a list of hours and scheduled activities for
local public libraries in the Watchung Hills area.

LONG HILL TOWNSHIP

In February, the library is displaying some of the photographs
taken by the township rescue squad while they were in New York
during the aftermath of the Se pt. 11 attacks. This is a way to
witness the tragedy as friends and neighbors saw it.

As a result of the events of Sept. 11, township residents can
express their thoughts in a "Memory Book" scrapbook being compiled
at the library.

All residents are invited and encouraged to include any and all
thoughts, pictures, poems, stories, newspaper articles or anything
else they believe will serve as a permanent reminder of this time
in history.

Submissions should be brought to the library during normal
business hours.

For the spring 2002 term, the library offers the EBSCO
databases, containing indexing and full text articles to nearly
2,000 journals and periodicals on all types of subjects. The
databases are available in patrons' homes, and may be obtained
through the library's homepage at www.gti.net/lhtlib.

The library has also added the "Facts On File Online" databases
as aids to students during research in science, history, careers
and multicultural studies. The databases are available in patrons'
homes and may be obtained through the library's homepage at
www.gti.net/lhtlib.

The library is looking for people to help raise funds for the
new facility. Both long and short-term commitments are needed.
Those wishing to help out should leave their name and phone number
at the circulation desk.

Anyone interested in assisting with fundraising efforts for the
proposed new library is invited to attend. RSVP is suggested to the
library at (908) 647-2088. The library will be hosting meetings of
the fundraising committee and Friends of the Library during the
month.

The Morris Automated Information Network (MAIN, Inc.) has
launched a new library catalog. Now anyone can access books, videos
and other items available for use in the county's consortium of 33
public libraries by using the Internet. The new catalog may be used
from any computer connected to the Internet.

The easy-to-use online library catalog may be accessed at
http:// web2.morris.or g. Features now available include searching
for books by subject, keyword, title or author; limiting your
search to libraries closest to you; and searching for special
materials such as audio books or videos, or for items in a specific
language.

The library recently added the American National Biography
database to its reference collection. This new database contains
much information for students doing research on famous Americans,
with articles on more than 17,000 men and women.

The library is a member of the North Jersey Video Circuit.
Membership in this group entitles library patrons to a selection of
newly released films that may be borrowed for two days. Borrowers
must be at least 18 and have a valid library card. The collection
changes monthly.

Call the reference librarian at (908) 647-2088, ext. 5 to
schedule free classes on the use of the catalog, magazine databases
and the Internet. The library's Internet home page is
www.gti.net/lhtlib.

The library's Board of Trustees holds monthly meetings on the
third Wednesday of each month, except August, at 7:30 p.m. at the
library. Remaining meetings for the year are on March 20, April 17,
May 15, June 19, July 17, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec.
18.

During February, the library will be home to meetings of the
"Friends of the Library" and the library's fundraising committee.
Anyone interested in attending these activities should contact the
library at (908) 647-2088.

The library is open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 1 to 5
p.m. Sundays.

Children's Corner

Toddler Time, for ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2, will be offered at 10:30
a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Dr. Seuss Day, part of the "Read Across America" program, will
be held from 10 :30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2.
Pre-schools through second-grade students are invited to the
children's room for stories, crafts, games and a snack. There is no
need to register for this program.

Pre-registration is required for all events. For more
information, call (908) 647-2088, ext. 4.

The display case for February features the wrestling collection
of Nicky, Marisa and Gina Richardella.

The library is taking sign-ups for the display case in the
children's room for 2002. If your child has a collection they would
like to share, stop by or call.

For details, or to sign up by phone, call the library at (908)
647-2088, ext. 4.

WARREN TOWNSHIP

The library's hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays. Call (908) 754-5554 f or further information.

The county library system has a Web address,
www.somerset.lib.nj.us, where patrons are able to go online and
order books, compact discs and videos from other branches and have
them sent to their branch. Renewals online are also
available.

Please note one's online personal library record now offers
increased privacy, through a new pin number feature. After entering
in a library card barcode, use the last four digits of the phone
number to access the library account online; the digits can be
altered for maximum security. Use WebPAC or DialPAC to renew books
and check on due dates and holds.

The library has a cable program called "Check It Out," that airs
at 8 p.m. on Warren TV-71. Librarians Mary Lynn Becza and Sarah
Cornish host this bi-monthly program that highlights a different
genre each show on books available at the library.

The second season includes a new feature, "Viewer Mail." To
participate, send letters to Check It Out, c/ o Warren Township
Library, 42 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, N.J. 07059, or e-mail to
sarahandmarylynn@hotmail.com.

The Warren Library Advisory Board will meet at 7 p.m. on the
following Wednesdays: March 20, June 19, Sept. 18 and Nov. 13. All
meetings are at the library.

Adult Programs

Cryptic Crosswords with Chris Parkinson is at 7 p.m. Thursday,
Feb. 28. It will be an evening of unraveling the cleverest of
crossword puzzles, which may be picked up at the library.

Introduction to the Internet, Part I is from 1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5. It is a class for beginners to discover the World
Wide Web and the possibilities it offers. Part II is from 1 to 3
p.m. Tuesday, March 19. Registration is required for both
parts.

Crafts with Irene is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6. Create a
"welcome spring" sign. Registration is under way.

"Protect And Defend" by Richard North Patterson is the topic of
the adult book discussion group, meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March
11.

Collage with Sophie is from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. Learn
the art of collage with this skilled artist; please bring tissue
and other decorative papers of your choice, along with paper glue
and a sturdy paper or cardboard for mounting your work.
Registration is required.

Young Adult Programs

Get Wired!, for grades 6 to 12, is at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13.
Make cool coiled wire art projects. Registration is required; call
the library for more information.

Children's Corner

Pre-school Storytime, for ages 3 to 5 with caregiver, will be
held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. No registration is
required.

A family singalong with Pat McKinley, for families of all ages,
is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2. Registration is
required.

Rhyme Time, for ages 2 to 2 1/2 with caregiver, is at 10:30 a.m.
Fridays, March 8, and April 5 and 26. Registration is
required.

Acting Out, A Celebration of Irish Folklore, for ages 5 and up,
is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16. There will be Irish-themed
stories, crafts and drama. Registration is required.

Pajama Time, for ages 3 and up, is at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18;
and for ages 2 to 2 1/2 is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19.
Registration is required only for the Tuesday program.

Toddler Storytime, for ages 2 1/2 to 3 with caregiver, is at
10:30 a.m. Fridays, March 22 and April 12. Registration is
required.

A chess club is planned from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays for boys and
girls in grades 2 to 5. Players can come in and learn, improve and
enjoy a game of chess in the library, which is open to ideas as to
a preferable day and time. Call the library for more information,
or stop in and pick up a form.

Pre-registration is required for all children's programs. Call
the library at (908) 754-5554; all are free, but space is
limited.

WATCHUNG

The library's Monday through Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 9
p.m., with Friday hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday hours
of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The book "Images Of America: Watchung," by David B. Page, is now
on sale at the library for $20.

A full set of the 2001 World Book is now for sale at the
library. Call (908) 561 -0117 if interested.

The library's magazine section has recently added Animal Agenda,
the Economist, Harvard Business Review, Oprah magazine and Yoga
Journal. Except for the current issue, all magazines may be
borrowed for two weeks.

Harold Kreis is the president of the Friends of the Watchung
Public Library, Colleen Hehegan vice president, Sheila Duyckinck
secretary and Norma Koed treasurer . For more information, call
(908) 757-6895.

All paid-up members of Friends of the Library receive a 10
percent discount at the Towne Book Store in Westfield, thanks to a
contact of Judge Michael Paticchio.

The library now has three terminals for free Internet access. To
reserve up to an hour per day, a user must have a Somerset County
library system card.

The library has a collection of 1,600 "books on tape" which may
be borrowed for two weeks. They are recommended for trips and going
to and from work.

All DVDs and videocassettes are now reservable and may be
borrowed for one week.

For more information, call the library at (908)
561-0117.

Adult Programs

Author Lucia Cappachione, who has written numerous books on
journaling with art, will lead a group discussion on writing and
publishing at 7 p.m. Monday, March 4.

A writers' group, sponsored by Friends of the Watchung Library,
will now meet at 11 a.m. Thursdays instead of 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.
The group will meet and write, then go for lunch. Anyone may come
for either or both. For registration and directions, call the
library at (908) 561-0117.

Anyone interested in participating in a book discussion group
may come to the library to fill out a questionnaire listing
availability. Based upon responses, an initial meeting will be held
to review parameters.

Children's Corner

The Lionheart Puppets will perform Kenneth Grahame's "The
Reluctant Dragon" at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. It's about Harold, a
young village boy who discovers a dragon in the mountains and must
convince the villagers that the dragon just wants to be friends.
Admission is free, but registration is required.

Crafts with Anne, for ages 9 and up, is at 4 p.m. Thursday,
March 21 for foam craft and 4 p.m. Thursday, April 11 for wood
craft.

A mother-daughter book group is beginning for girls grades six
and up with their mothers, aunts, grandmothers or other special
adult. Questions may be e-mailed to Anne Lycan, the young adult
librarian, at alycan@hublib.lib.nj.us.

All programs are free, but registration is required. To register
for any children's program, call (908) 561-0117 or visit the
library at 12 Stirling Road.

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Online Poll

In recent weeks, Long Hill Township and Watchung Borough passed ordinances allowing their police departments to be able to apply for surplus equipment from the Department of Defense. Long Hill recently procured a Humvee to use in times of flooding, which Watchung states as the reason they are getting into the program. However, in cities around the country, police forces have used the program to obtain military gear, such as weapons and armor.
For more background, go to the link below
http://www.newjerseyhills.com/echoes-sentinel/news/watchung-police-department-hopes-to-receive-equipment-from-department-of/article_12ad002a-92b3-5449-a2cc-4b2cf0ce4339.html